OUR PEOPLE —
Gemma the scooter raises a record $9,300 for Cancer Society Late last year, I decided I’d like to do some fundraising – possibly a ‘scooter run’. My initial reasons were to have a good time with some mates and maybe gather up a few dollars for a worthwhile cause. Along came the Canterbury-West Coast Cancer Society Scooter Safari, and I thought “this is perfect!” The next task was to gather a small team. I put the word out and we finished up with New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager Nick Matthews, Past NZCB Southland President Paul Young, NZCB Otago President Sacha Gray, and myself – NZCB West Coast President and Past NZCB Canterbury President. With a limited number of entry spaces available, it was touch and go to gain a spot but we got there in the end.
The Scooter Safari, held on Saturday 21 May 2022, is the ultimate endurance ride on a motorised scooter. More than 400 participants travel 250km from coast to coast, over the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Hokitika, to raise funds for the Cancer Society of New Zealand. One of the coldest, longest, hardest, and most gruelling tests of endurance on a city scooter, the event is designed to give participants an insight into hardship. While the Scooter Safari pales in comparison to the challenges people face on their cancer journey, it calls upon shared values of grit and determination.
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The event raises awareness and funds for the Cancer Society of New Zealand, with each competitor committing to raise at least $250 upon entry. My initial task was to find a scooter capable of making the journey from Christchurch to Hokitika. I managed to buy one from a friend’s daughter who owns the New Zealand Post franchise in Alexandra. Perfect – an old postie bike. As can be seen from the photos, it is still in excellent condition, and polished up really well.
I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in this fundraiser. In the past year, I have lost an aunty, uncle, and a really good builder mate to cancer, all too young to go! The two family members died five weeks after being diagnosed.
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Sacha Gray, NZCB Otago President
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